I have been on fluoxetine for 3 years. 40 mg then 60 mg. It worked at first but my depression is horrible now. It seems I need to switch anti-depressants every 3 or 4 years. Has anyone had this experience? Does my body build up a tolerance?
Switching antidepressants every 3 years?
Question posted by Astrogirl9468 on 30 Sep 2021
Last updated on 30 September 2021
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Answers
WildcatVet
30 Sep 2021
Hi, Astrogirl!
You could say you build up a tolerance and it's not uncommon for antidepressants to "poop out" after long term use for some people... nobody really knows why.
You could talk to your doctor about some options... upping your dose to 80mg, adding another medication like Abilify or Rexulti which boosters the effect of your antidepressant and also works on it's own, adding a mood stabilizer like Lamictal or Trileptal, or trying another antidepressant again.
Just some things to think about...
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon.
Wildcat
PS, Prozac is the one antidepressant that I've never taken but several others have "pooped out" after a few years on me too.
Astrogirl9468
30 Sep 2021
Thank you WildcatVet,
I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow.. Hopefully, we can find an answer. It just seems like I'm on a 3-5 yr medication change. Thanks, now I don't feel so crazy.
Related topics
depression, fluoxetine, antidepressant, tolerance
Further information
- Fluoxetine uses and safety info
- Fluoxetine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fluoxetine (detailed)
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